ABSTRACT
Chapter 10 focuses on the regeneration of Cape Coast and Elmina Castles and Fort St Jago in Elmina, including the historical background of these. It argues the need to effectively sustain cycles of scheduled regeneration of the structures. Based on externality effects and autonomous regeneration initiatives, it also argues the need to link the within-fortification initiatives and the extra-structure developments, within the historic districts of Cape Coast and Elmina. Regeneration appreciably rehabilitated and restored the body of both Castles, generated minimal levels of economic activities and employment, created several adaptive uses, attracted massive visitor numbers and generated revenue for Castle management and the state. The externality effect is constituted in the generation of diversified small businesses in the historic environment, similar to the within-castle enterprises. However, Fort St Jago fell into virtual ruins due to a mix of the poor quality restoration work, poor heritage management and sheer age of the structure and limited funding. While visitor numbers may have reflected general national economic conditions, it is essential to sustain the quality of the structures and diversify their uses to sustainably increase visits. Overall, impacts reflect the export base and multiplier effects of the heritage fortifications.
